Adventure Expeditions and Interpretive Leadership (Co-op)
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Program Overview
Prepare for a career in the ecotourism industry leading authentic learning experiences that respect local ecological principles. This outdoor adventure program utilizes an experiential learning approach that allows students to gain hands-on experience, develop skills and earn certifications. What could be better than a career sharing the wonder and beauty of nature with others?
Program Details
Program Code
AEL2J
Credential:
Ontario College Diploma
Duration
60 weeks
Start Dates
Locations
Availability
Full Time Offerings
2025 September
Simcoe
Open
2024 September
Simcoe
Closed
Start Dates
Locations
Availability
Full Time Offerings
2025 September
Simcoe
Open
2024 September
Simcoe
Closed
Your Learning Experience
To prepare you for the dynamic and complex ecotourism industry, this outdoor adventure diploma program has been built on three key pillars:
- Adventure Expedition
- Interpretive Naturalist
- Business Entrepreneurship
You’ll study marketing and business strategies, along with ecological and science-based courses in flora and fauna, geology, adventure guiding, environmental interpretation and education, management of national and heritage of natural areas, and wilderness first aid.
Students have the opportunity to receive over 16 outdoor certifications upon graduation, ensuring they have the skills to be successful in a variety of relevant disciplines. When finished the program, you’ll graduate with a holistic view of the natural world, and with knowledge of the conservation, tourism and business sides of the adventure industry.
The Adventure Expeditions and Interpretive Leadership program, leading to a two-year Ontario College Diploma, provides the training, practical skills and eco-tourism industry experience to prepare graduates for work locally, provincially, nationally, and internationally as Interpretive Naturalist leaders.
You'll have the skills to develop and manage resorts, trails, and interpretive projects. You’ll be able to design, deliver, and evaluate programs that will affect people deeply, and serve your passions for the earth in all of its wonder and beauty.
Career Information
Career Information
Graduates of Fanshawe’s Adventure Expeditions and Interpretive Leadership program are prepared to begin their careers as leaders within the eco-tourism industry with the ability to develop, operate and manage attractions, resorts, activities and trails. With the skills needed to design, deliver and evaluate meaningful interpretive programs for a variety of audiences, adventure awaits!
Did you know Fanshawe consistently ranks high in graduation employment rates among large colleges in Ontario?
Here are some examples of career opportunities for graduates of Fanshawe’s Adventure Expeditions and Interpretive Leadership program:
Leadership Adventure Program Director
Connect people with nature by facilitating outdoor recreation and experiential learning.
Wilderness Guide
Lead tours specialized in providing Algonquin Provincial Park educational adventures to travellers from around the world.
Summer Travel Counsellor
Share your passion about the natural wonders and urban adventures to help visitors discover what Ontario has to offer.
Program Progression
| Fall | Winter | Summer |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Level 1 | Academic Level 2 | Off |
| Academic Level 3 | Academic Level 4 |
Being a part of this unique and intensive program, that combines both the love of travel and the outdoors, quickly became a very special time in my life. It allowed me to push myself in directions I never thought possible before.
Leanne Gauthier-Helmer
AEL1J Grad and Instructor
This program is accredited by Co-operative Education and Work Integrated Learning Canada. This accreditation represents the highest standard of achievement for co-operative education programs in Canada, and recognizes Fanshawe's commitment to excellence.
Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
1. Perform interpretive naturalist activities using ecological, environmental and geographical concepts related to flora, fauna, and wildlife.
2. Instruct and safely guide others in ecotourism activities and adventure expeditions such as canoeing, snowshoeing, backpacking, and camping.
3. Design, deliver, and evaluate meaningful interpretive programs for a variety of audiences.
4. Develop and present a marketing plan for ecotourism and adventure expeditions.
5. Develop a business plan capitalizing on opportunities in the adventure expeditions and ecotourism industries.
6. Provide safe environments for interpretive and outdoor activity by using current and relevant risk management concepts and strategies.
7. Complete all work in compliance with the appropriate ethical, legislative and regulatory requirements of the ecotourism and adventure-tourism industries.
Related Programs
Academic School
Program Coordinator:
Robin Tapley
Explore our vibrant campuses and discover what makes Fanshawe unique. Get a firsthand look at classrooms, labs, student spaces, and residence halls, and connect with faculty, staff, and current students. Whether you're interested in learning more about academic programs, student services, or extracurricular activities, this is your chance to experience campus life up close. Don't miss the opportunity to see how we can help you achieve your academic and career goals!
Admission Requirements
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent,
or a
mature applicant with the following course:
- Grade 12 English (C or U)
Students who do not meet the admission requirements are
recommended for academic
upgrading. A conditional offer may be possible with proof of
enrolment.
International Admission Equivalencies
Admission equivalencies for Fanshawe depends on your country of study. Please enter your location to see the requirements for your country below.
English Language Requirements
English Language Requirements
| Test | Score |
|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT | 79 |
| IELTS Academic | Overall score of 6.0 with no score less than 5.5 in any of the four bands |
| CAEL | Overall score of 60 with no score less than 50 in any of the four bands. score of 80 in listening |
| PTE Academic | 53 |
| Cambridge English | Overall score of 169 with no language skill less than 162 |
| ESL4/GAP5 | Minimum grade of 80% in Level 8, 75% in Level 9, or 70% in Level 10 |
| Duolingo | Overall score of 105, with no score lower than 95 |
Applicant Selection Criteria
Applicant Selection Criteria
Where the number of eligible applicants exceeds the available
spaces in the program, the Applicant Selection Criteria will
be:
1. Preference for Permanent Residents of Ontario
2. Receipt of Application by February 1st (After this date,
Fanshawe College will consider applicants on a first-come,
first-served basis until the program is full)
3. Achievement in the Admission Requirements
Post-Admission Requirements
Post-Admission Requirements
- Mandatory Placement Assessment for WRIT
- Evidence of Good Health
Courses
| Level 1 | ||||
| Gen Ed - Take a 3 credit General Education elective course. | ||||
| Take all of the following Mandatory Courses: | ||||
| WRIT-1042 | Reason & Writing 1-Tourism/Hospitality | 3 | ||
| This course will introduce tourism and hospitality students to essential principles of reading, writing, and reasoning at the postsecondary level. Students will identify, summarize, analyze, and evaluate multiple short readings and write persuasive response essays to develop their vocabulary, comprehension, grammar, and critical thinking. | ||||
| ENVR-1029 | Wildlife of North America | 3 | ||
| This course will introduce students to the wildlife in North America according to geographic locales. Students will develop an understanding of wildlife identification, habitat selection, safety, and conservation principles. From this foundation the students will understand the responsibility of wildlife management, nature appreciation and the opportunities in developing successful Wildlife Viewing Programs. Wildlife viewing activities will include Active, Passive, Guided and non-guided viewing programs. | ||||
| MGMT-5076 | Advocacy & Leadership | 3 | ||
| Students will develop an understanding of the principles of sound leadership and professional advocacy, including the characteristics of excellent leaders. Students will learn to identify personal biases and beliefs and develop an understanding of their impact on both leadership styles and advocacy methods. Students will learn to present a professional opinion and to move forward an idea or concept in the face of opposition. | ||||
| TOUR-1019 | Wilderness Survival & Bushcraft Skills | 3 | ||
| This course will provide students with an opportunity to investigate and demonstrate a variety of techniques in wilderness survival. This course examines essential skills primarily focused on survival priorities including shelter, fire, water, map, and food preparation. Students will engage in contextual scenarios and apply the survival skills needed in navigating through some of nature's extreme conditions. | ||||
| PHOT-1076 | Ethical Wildlife Photography | 3 | ||
| This course will provide a study that combines the intricate field components of wildlife biology and wildlife photography. By applying the skills learned in the classroom, students will create a series of unique wildlife photographic portfolios in actual wildlife expedition experiences. This course explores both the fundamentals of photography and the complex relationship between photography and the natural world. | ||||
| TOUR-1020 | Field Course 1 | 3 | ||
| This introductory course provides an opportunity for students to learn a variety of field skills. Students will have an opportunity to complete additional applicable field certifications in this course that will prepare them for their expeditions. This course focuses on introductory field knowledge and the demonstration of practical knowledge and skills. Students will begin to apply interpersonal communication skills through field work and scenarios. | ||||
Tuition Summary
Simcoe
*Total program costs are approximate, subject to change and do not include the health and dental plan fee, bus pass fee or program general expenses.